Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air or Techno

Gaspumps

Gaspumps

Joined
May 14, 2012
Messages
302
Which to choose? I am looking for a small single blade EDC.
I like the looks of both knives and realize they are different styles BUT both share a smaller (~2.5") but sturdy blade.
The way I see it-
3.6 vs 1.3 oz- Air wins for lightweight EDC
CTS-XHP vs CPM-M4- I have experience with M4 and love it. XHP??? unknown to me
Techno looks STURDY, Air would probably handle 85% of what I need.
belly vs straight edge- tie for me
Want both but can only get one now. Let me know what you think...
 
I generally don't like lots of belly. Love straight edges.
I generally don't like overly thick blades. Love thin ones.
CPM M4 is outstanding. You have roughly the same amount of blade with less than half the weight in the Air.

Yeah, Air wins by a landslide for me. It does everything I need a small knife to do better.
 
Based on the qualities you are looking for (carry, basic cutting) yup its going to be the Air.

Its better looking, cheaper and lighter too with no clip so if you lose it you'll never know.

Since you're looking at wharncliffe, the Kershaw Centofante could also be a possible candidate.



Or even the Chaparral which IMO is the best EDC knife Spyderco have ever produced, under 3 ounces I think.

 
Talk about a wide spread there ;) I've owned the Techno, amazing little big folder! The Air I've only held once, to me it was too light for at least what I consider EDC stuff and while it may not make a difference, the Techno has a nice wire clip, the Air I don't think does.

NOW the Techno is cool but be warned it is a very thick blade so also keep that in mind.

I would tend to agree with the fellow above, the Chaparral would be one to consider, they are just coming out with a nifty titanium one, newer than the previous and it looks like a work of art to have machined the scales in such a way, very very nice!
G2
 
I agree, the Chaparral is a winner in every way. 2.8" Blade, CF, s30v steel(or titanium and CTS-XHP). Very light, super thin slicer of a blade. Thin handle. Awesome blade all in all.
M4 is one of my favorites, but CTS-XHP is as well. It's an awesome tough steel, holds an edge for like.. ever, pretty easy to sharpen up, takes a nice keen edge, etc.

If you're looking for something smaller, good ergos. light, thin, awesome steel, and beautiful, you can't go wrong with the Air or Chaparral 2(Ti/CTS-XHP).

If you like something small but a bit beefier, with a ti frame lock, great looks, awesome ergos, still a good slicer, with awesome steel, the Techno is your knife.

All of the knives mentioned are awesome.

If it were me, I'd probably go with the Chaparral Ti or the Techno, I like a pocket clip, and both are awesome.
 
I owned the Techno for a few months. When I first got it I fell in love with it. The reason why I sold it off was because I wanted to try out and fund the Bradley Air! I shouldn't have gotten rid of the Techno though, both are keepers.

The Techno is a tough little folder. Build quality is pretty amazing. It can take the place of a small Sebenza in your edc rotation. I used the crap out of it at work and at home and it was as good as new after. Lock hasn't moved and still as solid as ever. The stonewash keeps the knife looking nice. It's a little hard to open if you don't know the proper way because the detent is strong. Once you know how to hold it, it fires like a rocket. I totally dug that blue G10 backspacer! I shouldn't have sold mine, but I kept buying knives and the Air was calling!

The Air is my gentleman's folder. The wharnicliffe blade works very well for everyday tasks. It doesn't have a clip, but I carry it in a CRK leather slip intended for the Mnandi in the right front pocket along with a 3.5 to 4 inch blade like the BM710. The M4 may be overkill for a knife this size, but who cares! The Air may look tiny therefore flimsy but it is not weak and can stand up to use. Fit and finish is perfect and the blade deploys like it rides on glass.

Short answer: Get both, they can fill different roles and do so interchangeably.

BladeChick, there was a point when the Air was your favorite knife! Did you ever get it modded to accept a clip?

About the Chaparral, the CF version is said to be set to have a rolling upgrade to CTS-XHP...
 
Get the Air--a knife this size is supposed to cut, and the thin grind plus M4 steel make this an easy choice. Insanely sharp too. The Techno looks cool, but there's no reason for a blade that thick.

DJK
 
In defense of the Techno, both it and the Air could have thinner geometries at the edge. Techno might actually be thinner. I actually want to grind my Air down some.

It is thick at the spine though, but it could be a positive selling point depending on your uses. It's a tank! And I sliced apples with it spine and all, no problem :p
 
I would consider the techno over the Air for one reason: M4 rusts and pits like it's life depends on it. Yes, you can patina it, but it's worth considering WHAT you're going to be doing with it before you decide one or the other. If you plan to be cutting food or using the knife anywhere wet, I'd go with the techno. If you need wear resistance and edge retention*, go for the Air.



*Worth noting, if you offered me a choice between the knives, the Techno would have my choice every time. I do not like nor have I ever liked steel that stains easily.
 
I really like the Air. Titanium, CPM-M4, Silver Twill G10, and a beautiful satin finish. What's not to like?
 
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